If you’re craving something crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, these Cheesy Potato Spinach Bites are calling your name! Perfect as a comforting side dish or fun appetizer, they come together easily using simple ingredients and a muffin tin. The result? Golden, savory bites packed with creamy potatoes, sautéed spinach, and melted cheese that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
Whether you’re serving them alongside a cozy dinner or adding them to a brunch spread, these little bites deliver big flavor. Plus, they’re naturally vegetarian and easy to customize based on what you have on hand. You can prep them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and crisp them up in the oven or air fryer when you’re ready to enjoy.
These are especially great for toddlers and picky eaters — the cheesy potato base hides the spinach so well, no one will suspect a thing! You can also pack them into lunchboxes, serve them with a dollop of sour cream, or even drizzle with your favorite sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Measurements listed below):
- Potatoes
- Fresh spinach
- Cheese (like mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar)
- Butter (melted)
- Breadcrumbs (for coating and topping)
- Olive oil (for greasing and drizzling)
- Garlic (optional)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Nutmeg (just a pinch)
Tips:
- Boil potatoes whole with the skin on to prevent waterlogging; the texture will be creamier when mashed.
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture, but frozen (thawed and well-drained) can work in a pinch.
- Ricing the potatoes gives a fluffier, smoother base, but mashing by hand is fine too.
- A pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor, especially when combined with spinach and cheese.
- Don’t skip greasing and breadcrumbing the muffin tins—this creates a delicious crispy crust.
Storage
Leftovers? No problem! Store the bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crispiness. You can also freeze them — once baked and cooled, pop them into a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen for a quick and tasty snack or side!
Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor, or use smoked provolone for a twist.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives — they’ll still crisp up beautifully.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of paprika for extra warmth.
Cheesy Potato Spinach Bites (Crispy & Comforting Side Dish)
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by boiling potatoes with their skin on in salted water for about 40 minutes, or until completely tender.
- Once tender, remove the peels and use a potato ricer to mash the potatoes until smooth.
- In a pan, heat a drizzle of oil (and a garlic clove, if desired) and sauté the spinach for a few minutes until wilted and reduced in volume.
- In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and melted butter. Mix well.
- Prepare the muffin tins by oiling them with olive oil and sprinkling breadcrumbs on the bottom and sides.
- Scoop the potato-spinach mixture into the prepared muffin tins.
- Add a small amount of cheese to the center of each portion.
- Cover each muffin with more breadcrumbs and drizzle with a bit more oil.
- Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, or until golden and crispy on top.
- Enjoy your savory potato-spinach bites!
